The Junkers Ju 88 was one of the most versatile and effective combat aircraft of World War II. Its closest counterparts on the Allied side were the Mosquito and Beaufighter. The German aircraft was larger and slower, but nevertheless very effective. 14676 were built, including a staggering 104 prototypes for its 60 different versions.

The most important bomber version was the Ju 88A-4, with longer span wings, a stronger airframe, and Jumo 211J engines. It appeared in the summer of 1940. The strong points of the Ju 88 were speed and a significant bomb load. Its weak points were its short range (this was often extended by carrying additional fuel tanks in the bomb bays), a cramped and inefficient cockpit, and poor defensive armament. During the Battle of Britain the Ju 88 proved that it was the best German bomber, but operations from bases in Norway, without fighter escort, resulted in heavy losses.

The A4 was used in a multitude of roles including, fighter bomber, dive bomber, level bomber, torpedo bomber, night fighter, reconnaissance and when no longer serviceable a huge flying bomb (designated `Mistel`). A multitude of field modifications, some adopted by the factory were made over all variants throughout its service life.